The Deputy Chief Minister, the Hon Dr Joseph Garcia CMG MP, will attend a series of events surrounding the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda next week. Dr Garcia is the Minister with responsibility for developing relations with the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth comprises 56 independent countries with a combined population of approximately 2.7 billion people, representing around one-third of the world’s population. More than 60% of the Commonwealth’s population is aged 29 or under. The Commonwealth includes countries of different sizes and levels of economic development, with 33 of its members among the world’s 42 small states.

Gibraltar engages with Commonwealth members and organisations both through the membership of the United Kingdom and directly.

CHOGM, the meeting of Heads of State and Heads of Government, takes place every two years and brings together political leaders from across the Commonwealth to discuss shared priorities and challenges. It also provides opportunities for business, youth, women’s and civic leaders to meet and exchange views. Following an invitation from the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda to the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister will also represent the Chief Minister at some events.

The previous meetings took place in Rwanda in 2022 and Samoa in 2024, with Gibraltar represented on both occasions. This year’s CHOGM will take place in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, from 1 to 4 November. A number of official forums and associated events will run alongside the main meeting, including the Commonwealth Business Forum, Commonwealth Youth Forum, Commonwealth Women’s Forum and Commonwealth People’s Forum.

The overall theme of CHOGM 2026 is “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth”. The meeting will focus on shared priorities, including climate resilience, trade, innovation, equality and sustainable development.

The Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) will bring together business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and policymakers to explore opportunities for trade, investment and partnership. The Commonwealth represents a combined economy valued at more than £9 trillion, providing a significant market for businesses and investors.

The Deputy Chief Minister has been invited to participate in two roundtable sessions and to join a third session as a panellist in a plenary discussion. The roundtables will focus on “Building Investment-Ready Economies” and “Competing for Skills in a Global Economy”. The plenary discussion will address the topic “Powering the Commonwealth’s Future: Youth, Jobs, and the New Economy”. These are all areas in which Gibraltar has experience to share and a positive contribution to make.

The CBF is organised by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), which has an office in Gibraltar. Its Country Director, Mr Jared Peralta, will also attend, alongside a delegation of businesses which are members of CWEIC Gibraltar.

Gibraltar will also be represented at the Commonwealth Youth Forum by Ms Haylee Pincho and Mr Aditya Dhanwani. The Forum will bring together around 300 youth delegates from across the Commonwealth. It will provide an invaluable opportunity for the two Gibraltar delegates to exchange views with young people from other Commonwealth countries and contribute to recommendations to be presented to Commonwealth leaders.

The theme of the Youth Forum is “Investing in Youth Agency: Co-Creating Pathways Towards Shared Prosperity”.The organisers say the Forum will focus on equipping young people to respond effectively to critical sustainable development issues by sharing best practices, learning from peers and other stakeholders, and fostering dynamic partnerships.

The participation of Gibraltar’s youth delegates reflects the importance of ensuring that young people have a voice in shaping policies and opportunities for future generations. The Government is grateful to Haylee Pincho and Aditya Dhanwani for taking time away from their studies to contribute to this important event.

The main CHOGM meeting will take place from 1 to 4 November, with the Business, Youth and Women’s Forums and the Commonwealth People’s Forum scheduled for 2 to 4 November. A large number of associated events will also take place at venues across Antigua and Barbuda.

The Deputy Chief Minister will be accompanied by the Head of Gibraltar House in London, Mr Jonathan Scott, who leads Gibraltar’s engagement with the Commonwealth in the United Kingdom.